(Closed) Just turned down a job offer. Am I crazy?

2 weeks ago I relocated with my Husband and therefore, I had to quit my job. Last week I went on my first interview. It was a large step down from what I was being paid at my last job (even for the difference in housing cost), and it was hourly (instead of salaried), with no vacation, no benefits, and no paid holidays. But granted, it was a job. I also didn’t get the warm and fuzzies when I was in the office.

This morning I went on another interview that pays more than my previous salary, has vacation time, 401(k) and 100% paid health insurance. I feel good about the interview and I really liked the job.

Needless to say, the first company called me today and offered me the position. After the interview this morning, I really couldn’t look at the first interview the same. So, I turned it down.

I can’t help but think that this could quite possibly be a huge mistake. What if I’m not offered the job from the interview this morning? What if being called into 2 interviews in one week was just a fluke and I don’t get any for a long time from now…

For now we are okay financially, but in a month we’re going to be cutting it close.

If I could get some words of reassurance that I’ve done the right thing, that would be amazing. And even if you think I’ve done the wrong thing, I’ll take that too…

My husband turned down a job he was offered even though we were in a tight spot. The place wanted him to work 12 hour days and weekends, no overtime because he’d be salary, and they were not safe. It just wasn’t good and I’m glad he didn’t take it. So, if I support my husband in his decision, I support you.

Absolutely you did the right thing. You are not in a desperate spot yet so no need to take the job just to have something. Sounds like the people are so-so and the pay and benefits stink. Have faith you will find the right place. Waiting a bit is better than being miserable. Good luck in your search!

You ABSOLUTELY did the right thing. No job is worth making yourself miserable! If you didn’t feel good about the second job, I’d tell you not to take it. No amount of money or benefits can make up for work you’re not excited about. Trust your instincts. It will pay off in the long run.

You definitely did the right thing. It sounds like you weren’t interested in the first one at all, and you don’t want to get stuck in something you don’t enjoy, there are always other options. I hope you get the second one, good luck!!

I did something like that back in December. Although I did ask for a week to consider to ride out other interviews I had in the pipeline. I think it’s never great to turn someone down flat out unless they are requiring an on the spot decision.

Unfortunately the other positions that I thought were more promising (and that I liked more) didn’t come through.

However, it was a pay cut, a really long commute, and moving into a less respected industry.

Now that another 2 months have gone by with no interviews, I worry from time to time that I made the wrong choice, but I know I would not have been happy and it was not the right fit for me. On down days I still wonder if I should have just taken the job because this economy sucks, but what’s done is done and deep down I know the job wasn’t right for me.

You are not crazy. It’s okay to trust your gut. It’s okay to know that you are worth more than what they offer. You are smart and talented and deserve to have the job you love. More will come. For me, I would rather take a part time position locally to make a few extra bucks to help out and continue my job search. You will be okay financially. It might be tough, but it will work out. It always does.

Be confident in your decision! I know it’s so easy to dwell and wonder about what will happen and if you should just take it because who knows what’s in the future and when something else will roll around. But it will be okay. Take a walk, take a deep breath, and be confident.

If that first employer was pissed (!) that you politely (I assume) declined the offer, then image what they would be like if you actually worked for them! You didn’t get the warm and fuzzy feeling and you trusted your gut instinct. No matter what happens with the second job, I think you made the right decision!

“It was a large step down from what I was being paid at my last job (even for the difference in housing cost), and it was hourly (instead of salaried), with no vacation, no benefits, and no paid holidays.”

Sounds like you dodged a bullet to me! Especially if they were horrible to you about not taking the position.

@AprilJo2011: I 100% agree with you on this one… I was offereed a job a couple of months back as I had relocated to be with my Fiance and accpeted a poistion that was beneath the position I help previously, but I saw it as a sacrifice of us being together. I eventually had an interview for a another position but was never very confortable with the people when I interviewed – it was actually more money and better benefits…. However, when they offered me the job I turned it down as I just don’t believe that you should spend the majority of your day in a negative environment because when you do it eventually runs into your home envronment!!

at the end of the day you should always do what YOU think is right and best for you and have faith that you will find the right job.